Pritesh Vallabhdas Soni

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Solicitor admitted dishonestly misappropriating client monies for his own benefit, misusing mortgage funds (including drawing down £1,150,000 on a transaction that fell through), failing to keep accounting records since July 2005, and forging his partner's signature on three Certificates of Title. He self-reported and admitted all allegations including dishonesty. The Tribunal found the allegations substantiated, ordered him struck off the Roll and to pay costs of £7,237.03.

Duties found breached:

• Honesty
• No taking unfair advantage
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports

Aggravating factors:

• Previous appearance before the Tribunal in January 2006 (reprimanded)
• Abuse of clients' trust
• Substantial sums owed to lending institutions (approx £6,745,000)
• Clients suffered as a result

Mitigating factors:

• Self-reported the matters
• Cooperated with the SRA throughout
• Admitted all allegations including dishonesty
• Made clear his partner was not involved
• Serious ill health (spinal tumour)